Plumbing subcontractor for renovators and builders
Do rough-ins, bathroom and kitchen plumbing for contractors, with steady work from a few regular clients.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small plumbing team (you plus a helper or apprentice) taking on planned work for general contractors, renovators and builders: rough-in and finish plumbing for bathrooms, kitchens, basements and small new builds.
Your first three steps
- Confirm your certification and any business licence needed in your province, and check the rules on supervising an apprentice
- Visit local renovators and builders with a short profile, references and proof of insurance, and offer to quote on their next job
- Set up a quote template, a way to invoice on milestones, and a system for permits and inspections
Who pays
General contractors, renovation companies, home builders and some homeowners running larger projects.
How it makes money
Fixed quotes per project or per fixture, or hourly rates for time-and-materials jobs. A few regular contractors can give steady, scheduled work with fewer one-off callouts.
Skills that help
- Journeyperson-level plumbing skills
- Reading plans and estimating jobs
- Working to a contractor's schedule
- Supervising an apprentice or helper
Watch out for
- Permits and inspections are usually needed, so check with your municipality and provincial regulator
- Late payment from contractors is a risk, so agree payment terms and holdbacks in writing
- Commercial general liability insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules by province)
- Apprentice ratios and supervision rules differ by province, so check before hiring
- Relying on one or two contractors can leave you exposed if they slow down
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: plumbing subcontractor for renovators and builders
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a plumbing subcontracting business?
Estimated startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your vehicle, tools, insurance and whether you bring on a helper or apprentice. Use this as a rough guide and get your own quotes.
How much can a plumbing subcontractor earn in Canada?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on team size, how many contractor clients you have and how steady their project schedules are. This is revenue before your costs and wages.
What rules should I check before subcontracting for renovators?
Check permits and inspections with your municipality and provincial regulator. Also check apprentice ratios and supervision rules, liability insurance, WCB/WSIB once you hire, and agree payment terms and holdbacks with contractors in writing.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Home renovation contractor
Take on kitchen, bathroom, basement and repair jobs for homeowners, using trusted subtrades for specialist work.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Custom stair maker with a small workshop
Design, build and install custom timber or steel staircases from your own rented workshop.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Cement and mortar delivery service
Deliver bagged cement and masonry materials straight to job sites, with no shop and low overheads.
- C$20k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small office fit-out crew
Lead a small crew that rebuilds office interiors: partitions, ceilings, flooring and decor, with trades brought in as needed.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Mobile motor testing and repair service
Test, swap and repair motors on site for farms and plants, sending big rewinds to a partner shop.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Masonry crew for new builds and patios
Lead a small crew building brick and block walls, veneers, fireplaces and stone features.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about